Question

Explain the paradox that Durkheim’s theory of suicide addresses: that the most personal of acts (suicide) is influenced by society. Briefly define and offer an example of each kind of suicide. In your view, which type is most prevalent in our society, and why? (In 50 words)

Answer 1

Emile Durkheim provides four types of suicides such as egoistic suicide which is committed by people who feel that they have no place in the society and those who are self-centered, altruistic suicide which is committed by individuals who are too close to the society and as the result of over integration they had to obey the society’s norms, anomic suicide takes place when someone faces an unexpected event in their life and finally fatalistic suicide occurs due to the overregulation of the society. In my opinion, fatalistic suicide is most prevalent in our society.